Altech Informatics to automate new super alloy plant

August 2004 System Integration & Control Systems Design Infrastructure Security Services & Risk Management

Avmin Alloys (Avalloy), a division of African Rainbow Minerals (ex: Avmin), has awarded a contract for the automation of its new alloy plant to Altech Informatics, a wholly owned subsidiary of the multibillion rand JSE-listed Altech group.

Located at the Necsa facilities at the Pelindaba site near Hartebeespoort Dam, the Avalloy plant will cost an estimated R110-million to build and will produce its first high-performance alloys, known as super alloys, in the second half of this year. Construction of the facility started at the beginning of 2004 and, depending on market conditions, full capacity may be reached within a three-year period. Altech Informatics will be actively involved in the total plant automation process to supply a comprehensive solution, from sensor to boardroom implementation.

The design/documentation phase that is currently in progress will be followed by configuration, development and implementation of the supply chain execution (SCE) systems. The target date for completion of the development phase is 1 August 2004 when commissioning and accreditation is scheduled to commence. Finalisation of the project will be achieved by the implementation and facilitation of the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.

The superalloys to be produced by the plant in cast 'stick' form are largely nickel-based and retain their strength at high temperatures, making them ideal for jet engines. Avalloy plans to enter the cast 'stick' market and, once successful, produce alloy in wrought form which is not only used in aerospace engines, but also in a variety of other industrial and electrical applications.

Project manager of Altech Informatics, Schalk Claassen, said, "Avalloy will be South Africa's first major producer of superalloys and we are proud to play a part in an undertaking of this magnitude. We will combine our in-depth knowledge of industrial processes with the intelligent deployment of information technology to ensure that we deliver high returns, yet low risk on this important project."

For more information contact Schalk Claassen, project manager, Altech Informatics, 012 643 6900, [email protected]

Further reading:

Project and industry
System Integration & Control Systems Design
XEL EE was contracted to deliver the complete electrical, control and instrumentation scope for the upgrade of a gold mine's water treatment facilities in Tanzania.

Read more...

---

Fire safety in South Africa
Technoswitch Fire Detection & Suppression Technews Publishing SMART Security Solutions Fire & Safety Security Services & Risk Management Editor's Choice
Fire safety is sometimes ignored, sometimes relegated to whatever is cheapest, and sometimes treated with the seriousness it deserves, given that it focuses on protecting life and assets. SMART Security Solutions asked Brett Birch, MD of Technoswitch, for some insights into the realities of fire safety in South Africa.

Read more...

---

Turning system integrators into trusted technology partners
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing System Integration & Control Systems Design
Schneider Electric’s Alliance Partner Programme is repositioning system integrators from hardware suppliers into lifecycle-value partners. Oriel Soupen explains the competency framework, certification model and real-world results that are already helping African system integrators win higher-value, longer-term engagements.

Read more...

---

A risk-based approach to fire safety
Fire & Safety Security Services & Risk Management Industrial (Industry) Agriculture (Industry)
A report by fire engineering consultancy ASP Fire is challenging blanket assumptions around combustible-core sandwich panels, arguing instead for a rational, risk-based approach that balances fire safety requirements with commercial realities in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and industrial processing.

Read more...

---

Preventing and suppressing lithium fires
SMART Security Solutions Technews Publishing Editor's Choice Fire & Safety Security Services & Risk Management Smart Home Automation
SMART Security Solutions asked Clyde Becker, director of Pyro Brand, for some insight into the mechanics of lithium-ion battery fire risks, especially thermal runaway, and to define a comprehensive, layered approach to fire detection and suppression.

Read more...

---

When digital twins move from concept to critical tool
IT in Manufacturing System Integration & Control Systems Design Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Digital twins are moving out of the lab and onto the mine, the factory floor and the transport network where they predict failures before they happen. Amritesh Anand looks at where they earn their keep, the data and integration work behind them, and the security questions every organisation should ask before switching one on.

Read more...

---

Best practices for managing the MRO supply chain in Africa
RS South Africa System Integration & Control Systems Design
RS South Africa outlines how strong data governance and digital tools can turn maintenance, repair and operations procurement into a strategic advantage across Africa.

Read more...

---

Echoes of 2018? Follow-up on Woolworths explosions
Technews Publishing News & Events Security Services & Risk Management Retail (Industry) Facilities & Building Management
SMART Security Solutions follows up with Jimmy Roodt to find out more about an old connection to the Woolworths bombings from 2018. The investigation remains ongoing.

Read more...

---

Next-generation cash-in-transit vehicle
News & Events Security Services & Risk Management
Fidelity Services Group has unveiled a new, purpose-engineered Cash-in-Transit (CIT) vehicle designed to redefine crew protection, deter threats, and enhance operational resilience in an increasingly complex criminal environment.

Read more...

---

Containerised Solar Solution Accelerates Delivery of Riverside 3 MW Power Plant
Proconics System Integration & Control Systems Design
Proconics was engaged by NewFields to deliver the electrical integration solution for the Riverside 3 MW Solar Power Plant in Zimbabwe. The project required a compact, modular approach that could simplify deployment, minimise site works, and support rapid commissioning in a remote location.

Read more...

---